EU to decide on new sanctions on Russia

The incoming European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini Tuesday said the EU leaders will decide on new sanctions on Russia by Friday.

"The package (of further sanctions) will be presented by tomorrow (Wednesday) from the commission. The Coreper (permanent representatives committee) will meet again tomorrow, Thursday and by Friday a decision will be adopted," Xinhua quoted Mogherini as saying in company of Elmar Brok, chair of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mogherini, who is also Italy's foreign minister, was appointed by the European Council last Saturday as the new high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

EU leaders last Sunday decided to give Russia one week to de-escalate Ukraine crisis, following which they would impose tougher sanctions on Russia.

Earlier Monday, Russian foreign ministry said the country will take retaliatory measures to defend its legitimate interests if the European Union imposes new sanctions over Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.